Modern States

What Do Modern States Do?

Modern states perform four main functions:

  1. Executive

  2. Legislative

  3. Administrative

  4. Judicial

💡 These four functions are very important — they’re the foundations of how the state operates.

Institutions

  • Definition: Deliberate, formalized, and expected patterns of behavior that are written down and clearly explained to all participants.

    • Example: Earning a bachelor’s degree is an institution.

  • Breakdown of an Institution: When it becomes incoherent or constantly changes.

    • Example: Changing classroom requirements or degree rules.

  • Political Institutions:
    Embody a state’s history, culture, and religion; they organize policies and constitutional rights.

    • Example: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Hegemonic States

  • Focus on one individual’s power rather than collective power.

  • True democracies aim to provide neutral, independent oversight to prevent this imbalance.

State vs. Government (Analogy)

Concept

Analogy

Description

State

The car

The framework or structure containing the components needed for society to function.

Government

The driver

The people who operate and make decisions for the state.

People

The passengers

Citizens who live under the government’s responsibility.

The state provides structure (constitution, laws, systems), and the government runs it on behalf of the citizens.

The Modern State

  • Defined as a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

  • Has authority over how and when force is used (e.g., police, military).

  • Developed after the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which ended 150 years of religious wars in Europe.

  • Sovereignty: The recognized leadership or organization within a state that defines its boundaries and authority.

The Four Branches of the State

🏛 1. Legislative

  • Role: Making laws — including who makes them, why, and how.

  • Elected officials handle legislation at different levels:

    • Federal: Parliament

    • Provincial: MLAs

    • Municipal: MGAs

  • Legislative power ensures representation and structure.

âš™ 2. Executive

  • Role: Implementing and executing laws passed by legislators.

  • Examples of Ministers:

    • Defense Minister: Enforces laws in the military.

    • Interior Minister: Handles police and public safety.

    • Justice Minister: Oversees judiciary and criminal matters.

    • Foreign Minister: Manages foreign policy, ambassadors, and diplomacy.

đź—‚ 3. Administrative

  • Role: Movement and organization of information — making sure decisions are carried out effectively.

  • Ensures accountability by maintaining a “trail of decision-making” so actions can be traced and justified.

  • Improves trust, transparency, and citizen satisfaction.

âš  Privatization Threat:
Some believe administrative services should be privatized since they’re non-elected.
However:

  • Privatization is not bound by constitutional accountability.

  • It prioritizes profit over constitutional principles.

  • Leads to potential abuse of power due to lack of checks and balances.

  • Plato’s warning: Traders focus on profit, not ethics or justice.

  • Therefore, privatization poses a serious threat to democracy.

âš– 4. Judicial

  • Role: Interprets and enforces the law when its meaning is unclear.

  • Judges must be independent from all other branches to maintain fairness.

  • Must uphold:

    • The Constitution

    • The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    • The principle of equality and empowerment

Importance:

  • Prevents bias and abuse of power.

  • Protects citizens’ rights, freedoms, and creativity.

  • Maintains peace, stability, and security.

  • Without an independent judiciary, there is chaos.

Judges ensure no person or law violates constitutional rights — even when elected officials or police disagree.
If the judiciary breaks down once, it breaks down for everyone.

Theories of the State

Theories are perspectives on how politics and power work.
They aren’t absolutely true or false — they highlight one part of political life over others.

1. Institutionalism

  • Focuses on structures and rules (institutions) that guide political behavior.

  • Emphasizes how policies and governance are shaped by established institutions.

2. Pluralism

  • Society consists of many competing groups.

  • Government reflects the balance of power among those groups.

3. Elitism

  • Argues that all societies are led by a unified elite (a small, self-conscious ruling group — military, economic, or political leaders).

4. Socialism

  • The state assumes responsibility for citizens’ welfare, especially in health, education, and equality.

5. The New Right

  • Argues the state should stay out of providing public services and focus mainly on policing and defense.

  • Promotes privatization — which mainly benefits the wealthy.

  • Considered the most insidious because it erodes social responsibility.

Note:

  • All of the above material is on the midterm.

  • Focus on understanding the functions of the state, the importance of checks and balances, and how each theory interprets political power.